Oregon, Washington join Big Ten: Programs depart Pac-12 in 2024 after serving as charter members since 1915

Oregon and Washington have joined the Big Ten, the universities and conference announced Friday night. The programs become the third and fourth Pac-12 members to leave the conference for the Big Ten in the last 13 months.

"Accepting membership into the Big Ten Conference is a transformational opportunity for the University of Oregon to change the short and long-term trajectory of our university and athletics department," said Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens.

"The stability and exposure of joining the Big Ten is of great benefit to the University of Oregon, and we are grateful to the Big Ten presidents and chancellors for accepting our application to join the conference.

We look forward to the opportunity for our student-athletes to compete in this conference, which includes many of the best programs in the nation in every sport."

"We have tremendous respect and gratitude for the Pac-12, its treasured history and traditions. At the same time, the college athletics landscape has changed dramatically in recent years," said Washington AD Jennifer Cohen.

"The Big Ten's history of athletic and academic success and long-term stability best positions our teams for future success, and we are energized at the opportunity to compete at the highest level against some of the best programs in the country."

The programs, both charter members of the Pac-12 dating back to 1915. The Big Ten made those formal offers later Friday with both Oregon and Washington officially approving the measures.
Oregon and Washington are the third and fourth Pac-12 schools to join the Big Ten ahead of the 2024-25 season with USC and UCLA previously announcing their planned departures last summer.
Five schools have now left the Pac-12 in the last 13 months as Colorado last week moved to the Big 12.

Oregon and Washington will receive 50% shares of Big Ten media rights revenue to the tune of $30 million in 2024 with annual $1 million escalators until the completion of its new deal with CBS, Fox and NBC, according to ESPN.

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